**Chapter 17
Seduction, Cloning, and Cultivation Exploits**
Alex had pulled many questionable stunts in his short but chaotic time in the Azure Mist Sect.
He had robbed the elite, survived a toddler beatdown, created bass-heavy spiritual disturbances, and bribed said toddler with lollipops to maintain silence.
Today, he was going to do something even more reckless.
Something… **unthinkable**.
He was going to **bribe the Sect Master**.
---
The Azure Mist Sect Master, Grandmaster Yu Qingxian, was a woman of mysterious origin, terrifying cultivation, and a figure so striking even statues bowed respectfully. She rarely left her jade pavilion, and most disciples were too afraid to look her in the eyes, lest they implode from sheer intimidation.
Alex, however, approached her domain with the utmost confidence—and a **System-purchased gift box labeled "Heaven's Secret: Deluxe Cultivation Lady Fashion Pack."**
Yes. It included:
– Battle-ready silk robes (with "strategic airflow")
– Lacy "Cloudveil" innerwear
– A pair of boots labeled "Mystic Stompers: Now With 20% More Leg!"
The guards tried to stop him.
They failed. Because even **they** were too stunned by his audacity.
---
Inside the grand jade hall, Sect Master Yu Qingxian raised a single eyebrow as Alex placed the gift box on her tea table and bowed theatrically.
"What is this?" she asked coolly, voice like glacier bells.
"A humble offering," Alex said, clasping his hands. "For your… legendary elegance."
She squinted. "You bribed Elder Zhen with wine. You bribed Yue'er with candy. You bribed an alchemist with foot rub coupons. And now… this?"
Alex grinned. "I'm consistent."
There was a long pause. Yu Qingxian tapped her teacup. Then, shockingly, she said:
"…Leave it there."
> *System Notification:*
> *Bribe Successful. You have earned a one-time favor from Sect Master Yu Qingxian. You absolute menace.*
"Perfect," Alex said. "Because I want something rare. Forbidden, even. A technique."
She sipped her tea slowly. "Speak."
"I want a… **cloning technique.** One that allows me to send out duplicates to cultivate and train endlessly. While I nap. And play bass. And occasionally flex."
Yu Qingxian stared. Hard.
Then said, "You're lazy."
"Strategic," Alex corrected. "Also, I'm willing to test it myself. You can list it as… 'Rogue Method Development Through Irresponsible Genius Experimentation.'"
She nodded slowly. "You're an idiot."
Then, curiously… she smirked. "But I'm interested. I'll allow it—under one condition."
Alex gulped. "What's that?"
"Next time," she said, calmly sipping tea, "include a size chart."
---
**Two Days Later…**
**Secret Cave Lab – Sponsored by the System**
> *Project: Clone Cultivation™
> Status: Highly unstable. Probably illegal. Mildly brilliant.*
"System," Alex said, hands on hips, "are we ready?"
> *We've improvised. I combined a shadow duplication scroll, a cultivation automation script from the forums, and that one glitchy talisman from the Mortal Realm cloning game.*
Alex clapped. "Perfect. Deploy the clone."
The air shimmered—**and out stepped another Alex.**
Except this one looked slightly smugger.
"Yo."
Real Alex blinked. "Wait, do you… think?"
"Not really. Just enough to do pushups, meditate, absorb spiritual herbs, and scream motivational quotes into the void."
Perfect. It was **everything Alex wanted in an employee**.
> *System Linked Cloning Active.*
> *All cultivation gains will return to the original body on clone dismissal.*
> *Warning: Side effects may include dizziness, overpowered breakthroughs, or spiritual narcissism.*
Alex now had a clone meditating on spirit stones, one practicing sword arts under lightning, and another eating spiritual beast meat to build physique.
All the loot he had stolen was now **fueling 24/7 cultivation in parallel**.
And the original Alex?
He was in a hammock.
Sipping melon juice.
Playing spirit beats on his woofer.
> *System Report:*
> – Cultivation level up: Late Foundation Establishment
> – Physique enhanced: "Spiritual Dad Bod Achieved"
> – Qi Core Cleanliness: 97% (that's rare, you lazy genius)
> – Clone Status: 3 active
> – Public Danger Rating: Rising rapidly
Alex stretched. "I feel incredible. All power, no work. This is how cultivators were meant to live."
> *This is how cultivators were meant to be chased by angry sects.*
"Let them come," Alex said smugly. "For now, I clone. I cultivate. I nap. I… dominate."
> *You're going to die with style. I respect it.*
Alex smiled.
He was now not only a rogue, a thief, and a system abuser—
He was the **first cultivator to outsource enlightenment.**
And his clones?
Still doing pushups.
Forever.